System and method for an intensity modulated radiation therapy device

Abstract

Systems and methods for low energy radiation x-ray radiation therapy system for use at a target within a cavity of a subject. In an aspect, the system uses an aperture shaping device used to shape the radiation beam from the low energy radiation source. In an aspect, the aperture shaping device includes a plurality of leaf assemblies which include leaves configured to form the aperture and engage the radiation beam. In an aspect, the present invention utilizes a geared mechanics approach to create an aperture using only one dial input. The design ensures that the field size of the collimator remains a constant shape as it is opened and closed. In an aspect, the overall size of the collimator may be scaled to accommodate various radiation therapy requirements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from PCT Application No. PCT / US2015 / 041070, filed Jul. 20, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 026,077, filed Jul. 18, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 308,358, filed Mar. 15, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field[0002]The invention applies to the fields of radiation therapy, and more particularly to a dynamic collimation system intended for use in intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).Related Art[0003]Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has advantages over conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). For example, the biological effectiveness of a single, high dose of radiation is greater than the same dose administered in a fractionated (multi-session) regimen. IORT is performed in a single fraction, so IORT has been known as higher biological effe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system described in this patent allows clinicians to define the radiation doses they need for treating tumors inside the body. It includes a compact collimation system that can deliver highly conformal radiation doses to improve tumor control rates. The system is small and can be used close to the treatment site inside a surgical cavity to reduce treatment time and the number of external beam radiation therapy sessions a patient must undergo. The collimation system includes a collimator that can move over the surgical cavity while delivering the radiation. Overall, the system improves clinical outcomes and reduces costs and inconvenience for patients.

Problems solved by technology

The current use of low energy x-ray for IORT applications is limited to mainly post-lumpectomy breast cancer radiation therapy in which the INTRABEAM® device (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Oberkochen, Germany) and accelerated partial breast irradiation using single- or multi-lumen high dose rate (HDR) applicators have been used.

However, the use of the INTRABEAM device is limited to be used in conventional IORT applications such as pancreatic cancer, retroperitoneal sarcoma, and selected genitourinary malignancies, since it is designed specifically for intracavitary application.

However, the Mobetron system is large (4.91 m3=1.98 m×1.03 m×2.41 m) and heavy (2937 lbs) so it is difficult for clinicians to transfer the system among different operation rooms.

Also, due to its high energy (6, 9, 12 MeV), the Mobetron system cannot be used in a regular operation room without sufficient shielding.

In addition, traditional IORT systems are either very large, such as the Mobetron system, or require several feet of shielding, such as an operating room that is inside a vault housing a linear accelerator.

There is also a problem in defining specific radiation doses as a function of position in the region to be treated.

Lastly, traditional IORT systems, and their radiation sources, are limited in orientation options in regards to the subject.

For example, many cannot be placed inside or above the surgical cavity of a patient.

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